However, the action taken by the IESM Governing
Body is correct and it should have been taken long time ago.Governing Body IESM continued to persuade Lt Gen
Kadyan to mend his ways but, due to his ulterior motives and some carrot
hanging somewhere, he continued on the course adopted by him to destroy IESM.

Five years ago Lt Gen Raj Kadyan and Maj Gen Satbir
Singh with increasingly very large support from ESM located from North to South
of India from East to West of India, started IESM with great josh and efforts.
Rightly, within six months of its raising IESM became a force to reckon.

While many other ESM organisation have been working
hard and are still working hard to resolve problems of ESM and families, but
the approach adopted by IESM made greater success in a short time.

The UPA Government became visibly scared of the
ways of operations of IESM. Many requests, directly and indirectly came to IESM
saying don’t do this or that – IESM carried on fearlessly.

UPA Government has been looking for ways and means
to destroy IESM as it destroyed many other movements. IESM leadership stood
firmly against such attempts till one of its stalwarts saw some very attractive
carrot hanging in front of him. This happened about two years ago.

For over two years I have been receiving very
reliable information from many sources that Kadyan has been given a specific
task to achieve. His behaviour in the IESM Governing Meetings was also
confirming those inputs. I warned many senior members of IESM about it – but
they would not believe me.

The true colours of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan became
apparent to the Governing Body IESM in Dec 2012. The story beyond Dec 2012 has
been well related by Gp Capt Gandhi in his email below.

Kadyan is playing very dirty trick of creating a
divide among the officers, JCOs and OR among the ESM and families with a view
to destroy their joint power to fight against injustice by the UPA Government and
thus quickly reach the carrot hanging in front of him.

I am very sure that with the expulsion of Lt Gen
Kadyan major hurdles in the way of IESM are out. IESM have the will power and
resources and with help from you all – IESM will be able to come over the
hurdles that Kadyan will now openly generate to ensure that he receives the
carrot promised to him by highly placed personalities.

A sad day in the history of ESM and families of
India.Please remember with support from you ALL, IESM
will regain its lost ground. So go all out to support IESM.JAI BHARAT – JAI JAWAN.

In service of Indian Military Veterans &
FamiliesChander Kamboj----------*************************************************

By now you must be aware that all is not well in
IESM. It is my duty to keep facts in front of all members so that members can
make their own opinion. At the outset I ask for your patience for a bit long
mail but I cannot help since I want to bring all facts in-front of veterans

IESM has been in operation since last five years.
The accounts of IESM had been regularly audited and presented to all veterans
every year in AGM. All queries raised by veterans are answered satisfactorily.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan had been signing the balance sheet for the last five years
and had never raised any objection. Monthly income and expenditure statements
are being made as per rules and are available in the office for all to check.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan had access to all accounts as all other members of GB and all
members of IESM. GB IESM invites all veterans to come and check the accounts
which are available in the office. GB had not agreed to put the accounts on the
website as demanded by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan as GB felt that Internet is not a safe
medium such sensitive information. Any constructive suggestion would be taken
and incorporated in the accounting procedure. Yes IESM Gov Body had refused to
pay the transportation charges of veterans who came from Jhajjhar for casting
their votes and attending the AGM on 2 Dec 2012, as it is against the rules of
the AGM and elections. This has probably infuriated Lt Gen Raj Kadyan because
he had to pay Rs 18000/ from his pocket to these veterans who were called by
him to vote for him and his candidates. Accounts of IESM are being kept as per
rules and will be projected for scrutiny of all members in coming AGM planned
on 20 Oct 2013 at AVCC Sector 37 Noida.

The problem in IESM started about two years back
when members of GB pointed out to the Lt Gen Raj Kadyan that he had been
visiting Defense Minister all alone and then issuing Sitreps to the
environment. GB members advised Lt Gen Raj Kadyan on many occasions that it
must be delegation of IESM who should meet the RM and other officials to present
the problems of veterans. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan refused this simple request and
termed those meeting as his personal meetings and confirmed that he meets RM
for many problems and also discusses the IESM issues and he would continue
meeting him alone. We all know the outcome of these meetings! I can say with
conviction that veterans and widows were not benefited in any way. But he
continued visiting RM by himself and kept mentioning it in Sitreps. This issue
was considered too insignificant to bring to the notice of environment. However
GB members communicated their opposition to the stand of Lt Gen Kadyan.
Veterans noticed the slant towards praise of the Govt in Sitreps in last few
months and discussed with GB members. Many veterans expressed their apprehensions
that this change in the outlook of Sitreps is not a healthy sign for our fight
for Justice and OROP.

GB members had been discussing in meetings that
IESM delegation must meet three the chiefs of armed forces and explain to them
problems of veterans so that Armed Force HQs understand our problems and
veterans would know the stand of HQs on veterans’ issues. Lt Gen Kadyan kept
steam rolling this suggestion and refused to meet the three Chiefs. Then,
suddenly one day he informed the GB that he had met the CNS. GB members
questioned about this visit and asked why did he visit CNS alone? He had no
reply and gave flimsy reasons that there was no time to inform any GB member.

Sometimes in April 12 Army HQs informed Maj Gen
Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, that a rally of veterans has been organized
in village Palra in Jhajjhar dist on 16 May 12. COAS Gen VK Singh would address
the veterans in the rally. The issue was discussed by the GB and a decision was
taken that IESM will wholeheartedly only take part in the rally and would
ensure a very large gathering for the rally. To the utter surprise of GB, Lt
Gen Kadyan vehemently opposed participation of IESM and veterans in the rally.
GB members over-ruled (single dissention) his objection and decided that IESM will
lend full support to the rally as this rally would bring many- fold advantages
to the veterans. Veterans would get a chance to meet COAS and explain their
problems first hand and, veterans would get to sort out their pension problems
and ECHS problems as Army HQs had arranged all specialists to attend to the
problems of veterans, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan continued opposing IESM participation
and even published in newspapers and asked veterans to boycott the rally. Lt
Gen Kadyan even gave statements against the then COAS Gen VK Singh that he was
using this rally to build up his image. This statement of Lt Gen Kadyan against
Gen VK Singh was shocking and to say the least vey shameful. He went a step
ahead and threatened GB members that he would not sanction any funds for the
rally. It was surprising to hear this from the Chairman. IESM did not spend any
funds on this rally. The rally was a huge success and veterans were a happy lot
to mingle with the brother soldiers and felt elated. Many veterans could
resolve their pension problems as CDA officials were present to provide instant
replies. On the day of the rally, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan suddenly decided to attend
the rally and insisted that he would speak on behalf of IESM. Army authorities
had by then sensed the real intent of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan that he would use his
position and create disturbance in the rally. He was not permit him to speak.
Later on it was revealed that intelligence inputs had indicated that Lt Gen Raj
Kadyan came to malign the rally and speak against the then COAS Gen VK Singh.
It was not difficult to put the two and two together of his real intent. Lt Gen
Raj Kadyan was well known to speak against Gen VK Singh in every TV interview
and used all his vocabulary to speak against Gen VK Singh. He was using his
position to make a constituency for himself and make his image on the TV shows.

GB members smelled the rat and advised Lt Gen Raj
Kadyan to avoid misusing his position but he did not heed to the advice. Even
the 'MOA' of IESM clearly lays down that decision in the GB meetings will be
taken by 'Majority' view. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan continued disregarding the majority
decision of the GB. Many a times it was pointed out in GB meeting and decision
taken by GB was recorded that decision taken by GB would be final and all must
abide by the decision. His continuous disregard and willful defiance of GB
decisions had started troubling GB members.

IESM announced a grand rally on 1 Dec 2012 and AGM
and election to GB on 2 December 12. The rally was attended by more than 5000
veterans from 14 states. Many speakers expressed their views. Vice Chairman spoke
about the achievements and future plans of IESM. It was surprising to hear
Chairman Lt Gen Raj Kadyan speak against the official thinking of the IESM to
the audience. The issues brought out by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan surprised all and
brought out the differences in the GB in open. Surprisingly Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
did not deem it necessary to discuss the issues with GB members before bringing
it out in public glare thus lowering the image of IESM in the eyes of veterans.

Brig OP Marwaha and Col VK Sekhri were requested to
conduct the election of IESM GB planned for 2 Dec 12. The team had conducted
the previous elections of IESM in 2010 and were regarded very fair in
conducting elections. 24 nomination papers were received by the election team
(Five for the appointments in GB and 19 for the post of member GB). Election
team found mistakes in many forms and approved only 11 nomination forms for the
post of member GB. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan met Chief election Officer and attempted
to influence him in favor of four contestants. Chief Election Officer confirmed
to him that he would conduct the elections as per rules of Election Commission
and prevalent traditions. The results were announced as the approved nomination
papers were less than the vacancies in the GB. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan announced to
the audience that he was not in agreement with the elections and he suggested
re-elections thus creating disturbance in the meeting. He also once again
touched upon the issues which had till then not been discussed in the GB. Lt Gen
Kadyan thus once again brought the differences in the GB to the public without
even discussing in the GB. Four contestants whose nomination papers were
rejected by the Chief Election Officer then sent representation to the
Registrar Societies, Haryana Chandigarh. The Registrar Societies had fixed 4
Apr 13 as date of hearing. Chairman Lt Gen Raj Kadyan and Gen Sec Gp Capt VK
Gandhi were respondents in the complaint. Governing Body IESM took a decision
that the IESM would be represented by Maj Gen AJB Jaini, Gp Capt VK Gandhi and
Cdr SS Ahuja and no other member will attend the hearing on 4 Apr 13 from IESM.
This decision was communicated to Lt Gen Raj Kadyan who had not attended the
meeting in which this decision was taken. He not only attended the hearing, against
the resolution of GB, but also argued in favor of the petitioners. This action
on part of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan brought in open his plan to induct some members
who would take his side in GB meetings and he would be able to get his views
through the GB. This is for the information of veterans that Gov Body had
sensed a tilt in favor of Govt in the behavior of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan. GB members
were therefore very critical of his suggestions and most of his suggestions
were over-ruled with only one vote in favor of his suggestion and rest voting
against his opinion. This is probably the reason that Lt Gen Kadyan wanted to
fill the GB with his YES men but failed because of mistakes on the part of his
men in filling the forms. Director Societies in his order has asked IESM to
amend the MOA and increase strength of GB members from present 17 to 21 with a
view to accommodate the four complainants. IESM has already formed a committee
to amend the MOA and is planning to bring the amendments in the forthcoming
AGM.

Lt Gen Kadyan has now called for Emergency General
Meeting (EGM) on 28 July 13 without discussing the matter in the GB. There is
no provision in the MOA of the IESM for Chairman to call for an EGM. IESM had
already planned the AGM on 20 Oct 13 and is in the process of announcing to the
environment. It is therefore difficult to understand the urgency of the EGM
when regular AGM has already been planned on 20 Oct unless there is an ulterior
motive of forcibly taking over control of GB. It is not difficult to notice the
powers working behind this move. IESM has become a thorn in the eyes of Govt
because Govt has not done justice with the veterans. This is the only to put
brakes on the activities of IESM. Therefore, this meeting has been declared
illegal by IESM.

In view of constant defiance of GB decisions by Lt
Gen Kadyan, and specially attending the hearing in the office of The Registrar
Societies on 4 April 13 totally against the resolution of GB, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
was asked in writing on 25 April the reasons for his defiance of GB decision
and asked to reply by 1 May 13. He replied that he would send his reply by 7
May 13. His reply was not received by the due date. He was then issued a Show
Cause Notice on 15 July and was asked to send his justification latest by 25
July 13. Once again the reply has not been received by the due date. In-spite
of coming clean and giving justification of his anti IESM action, he has
decided to confront the GB and MOA and has announced an EGM with the help of
disgruntled veterans. He is also attempting to create a rift in officers, JCOs
and ORs where in-fact there is none. There is one important question which
every veteran is asking, “How much veterans have befitted from his friendship
with the Defence Minister? The answer probably is that NIL. Pension of widows
also could not be increased with his clout.

Governing Body of IESM met on 25 July 13 and
deliberated on this situation and came to the conclusion that Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
has no justification for his action against the collective will of GB. He has
been constantly acting against the majority decision of GB. Because of constant
defiance of GB and lowering the image of IESM by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, his primary
membership of IESM has been terminated by the GB under the powers vested in GB
under clause 7 (d) (vi) of MOA. His primary membership of IESM has been
terminated with immediate effect.

This is a very sad decision that primary membership
of the erstwhile Chairman had to be terminated because of his constant actions
against the majority decisions of the Governing Body and acting against the
interest of IESM.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

*****************************************************

1. For those Pre-2006 defence Pensioners /Family Pensioners (all ranks) having Pension Account in 'Central Bank of India' And have not yet got their dues as per PCDA's various Circulars of 17 January 2013; may write to AGM, Central Bank, Head Office, Govt. Business Department at Email ID : with Cc to email ID of your pension paying Bank Branch.

2. Only following information be provided in your Email to AGM. Central Bank.

(a) Rank / Name Service details etc.

(b) Full Name as recorded in your Pension Acoount. (Important to check it from your Bank Account). No need to give your Bank account Number. Your bank branch will find your account number from your name.

c) Give your Contact / Mobile Number.

2. For Safety: Do not share any personal data including bank account number on NET.

Best,

Commodore Lokesh Batra (Retd.)

Social & RTI Activist

BringChangeNow

http://www.bringchangenow.org/

KARGIL DIVAS IS APPROACHING FAST......HOW MANY VETERANS BOTH YOUNG AND OLD REMEMBER IT...OUR HEROES BATRA / THAPAR /ENDLESS NAMES...ETC ETC... ********************************************************* I've known Ashu for little over a year--we did the NLP course together. Now migrated to the US. As far as I know she does not have a military connection. I FOUND MY GOD IN KARGIL (by Ashu Lobo-Desai) by Ashu Lobo-Desai (Notes) on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 12:09am (I composed this soon after the Kargil war and would like to re-dedicate it to the Universal Soldier on Memorial Day with gratitude, respect and love) “Are you a Christian? Hindu? Muslim?” they asked; I replied that I was none, All I wished was to find my God, So help me anyone; For I’d looked in churches, temples, mosques And never found Him there; Tried prayer books and prayer beads, I’d searched just everywhere. But I found my God in Kargil, In fact, I find Him every day. After the night’s long shelling bursts He brings the sun out to play. He helps us carry the wounded men Down the treacherous slopes; He pulls back our shoulders and lifts up our chins He fills us with faith and hope. He is there when we fill up the body-bags With comrades who have died; And gives us the words of comfort to soothe The soldier’s widowed bride. He’s there when land-mines dismember friends And tells us it has to be – A few have to suffer and some to die For millions to be free. Setting up night ambushes, When it’s too dark for me to see, I feel His loving, guiding hands Reassuring me. I see Him as one loaf we share In cheerful selfless toil, As we onward march with fearless gaze Refusing to recoil. He is there as we bow our heads in prayer Before an assault new; He is there in the parent’s tearful call: “Son, I’m proud of you!”War-widows, orphans – children of war…I often ask God :”Why?”I understand so clearly now As I stare at the fire-lit sky. The young boy who had searched for God In vain, in the recent past, Became a man in Kargil, and, Had found His God at last!

Samadhan was set up to resolve problems of veteran sailors and i hope officers too.

My dealing with the Samadhan scheme is not a very good experience.Samadhan mails to Navy Pensions and that is where the matter rests.For months on end there is no responds from Navy Pension. When any one complaints on Samadhan email there is no complaint number given nor is there a means to check status.

I suggest that Navy strongly considers to have a central complaint email id on which when one complaints you get a Complaint Number and one can later either check status or write to any one with reference the complaint number.

It is also probably time to re look at functioning of DESA and make it in line with that of Directorate of Air Veterans so that we have a single agency dealing with all matters concerning the Veterans(Officers and Sailors)

Dear All, 1 yes I had spoken to the AG this morning.I wish the construction and tech details of ingeniously produced stents should have been circulated in the environments for gen acceptability beforre introduction as part of approved procedure for ECHS.

Just imagine an ESM LYING ON anOperation table and Dr asks the patient or NOK INDIAN OR FOREIGN STENT? What should be the ans is not difficult to assess.Some super speciality Hospitals may not be using the Indian stents. Has MD ECHS confirmed from all empeneled hospitals and also from all non empeneled hospitals in the country where in an EMERGENCY an ESM needing stenting will be taken.If that hospital does not use Indian stent, WHO WILL PAY FOR THE DIFFERENCE IN COST? WHY ARE WE MAKING THINGS DIFFICULT FOR VATERAN Soldiers?

2 For Md echs--why don't you please brief the true picture about the empeneled hospitals in the country? Over 80 Percent of the empeneled hospitals have withdrawn from theECHS for delay:/non payments of their bills and also the LOW RATES OF ECHS.Please tell me even ONE HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY(SUPER SPECIALITY) which is ready to be empeneled at ECHS rates.

3 These are the matters affecting the life of ESM and decisions on such matters should be arrived at after due deleberations.Vested commercial intersts of a few individuals must not be allowed to prevail.

4 Please ALLOT SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR ECHS AND RUN IT EFFICIENTLY. AS IT IS POOR QUALITY OF MEDICINES/NON AVAILABILITY OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES IS CAUSING HARDSHIPS TO THE ESM.

Regards. Maj Gen Satbir Singh, VC, IESM

On 21 May 2013 14:28, "Veterans Cell" wrote: Dear General Satbir, I believe you had a discussion with the AG on some ECHS issues.The AG had a word with MD who explained that indigenous stunts have been approved by Indian Council of Medical Association. These are safe and meet the medical requirement / standards besides being much cheaper as compared to imported stunts. The downward revision in the approved rates is due to this reason. The MD also explained that a patient can opt for imported stunts but will have the bear the difference in the cost. As regard the issue of empaneled hospitals in Mumbai, there was only one empaneled hospital - Hira Nandani who had opted out due to approved rates as applicable in CGHS being low and delayed payments. We also did not have any Regional Centre at Mumbai which was the responsibility of the Navy. The Regional Centre is now operational and they are shortlisting hospitals for empanelment. We are hopeful that the situation will improve shortly. Best Regards. Anil Chauhan Brig DDG Veterans

1. Peeved by continued apathy of the Government towards their genuine demands, the Defence Veterans plan to continue their protests across the country. As part of it, an Ex Servicemen Rally will be held at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 01 Dec 2012 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

2. One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a four decades old demand of Defence Veterans. It implies “Defence Personnel with the same rank and same length of service must draw the same pension irrespective of the date of retirement”. However despite most political parties declaring support for it, and despite many Committees on Defence recommending implementation of OROP for Defence Veterans, the Government has not implemented it.

3. Unfortunately this is not an isolated case of neglect of Defence veterans’ interests. Many Governmental actions relating to Veteran affairs indicate an institutional indifference and perhaps willful design that is both alarming and demotivating. Consider the following:

a. The ridiculous situation wherein a Major General draws a pension lower than that of a Lieutenant Colonel- three ranks lower in the hierarchy.

b. A Havildar drawing a pension less than that of a Sepoy, which is a much junior rank?

c. A Lieutenant General drawing almost the same pension as a Colonel or a Brigadier, ranks that are junior.

d. While all Central Govt employees have been given three Assured Career Progressions by the 6th CPC, the same has been denied to the “Sepoy” who is compulsorily retired after 15 – 17 years of service and the Assured Career progression to Defence persons are authorized after 8, 16, 24 years of service. Is it not Gross injustice that a Sepoy is not granted the financial benefit of 3rd Career Progression before retirement to enable him to get the pension accordingly?

e. Non-inclusion of Defence Services in even benefits like Non Functional Upgrades, made applicable to all other Government services EXCEPT Defence Services.

f. Widows of Defence personnel are invariably left out of accretions in Pensions announced for JCO/OR.

g. An amazing 39 serious anomalies have arisen in the implementation of even the 6th Central Pay Commission, causing grave injustice to the Defence Personnel in their status and thus inter-se equation with other Central Services, pay and pensions.

k. Non-inclusion of Uniformed fraternity even in committees set up over matters directly affecting them.

4. It appears that our Government does not respect the sacrifices made by a soldier-who does not think twice before making the supreme sacrifice. This is a very unfortunate state of affairs.

5. As you are aware, Defence Veterans have been depositing their medals with the President to protest the Government’s apathy towards them. 22000 medals have already been thus deposited. Following the Rally on 1 December, the next tranche’ of approximately ten thousand medals will first be taken around to various locations in NCR before being taken to Rashtrapati Bhawan, to make our countrymen aware of the injustice meted out to Defence Veterans.

6. IESM has great pleasure in inviting you to please attend the rally on 1 Dec 2012 from 10 AM on, and experience firsthand, the angst of the Defence Veterans community.

1. The ex servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS) has been in existence for a decade. While it has to an extent ameliorated the healthcare problems of defence veterans, some glaring shortcomings exist. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has been actively interacting with defence veterans across India to gain first hand inputs of their experience with ECHS. By now we have enough inputs about these shortcomings, whichhave been brought to the notice of the Govt, the three Chiefs, AG and MD ECHS on numerous occasions. Assurances have been given a number of times for redressal of the problems but most of the cases under process which will address some of the inadequacies are still lying in various offices. If expeditious actions are taken to accord the required sanctions, the ECHS health care of its members will see a quantum improvement. Some of the issues needing immediate redressal are discussed in succeeding paragraphs.

Inadequacy of Funds

2. There are approx 35 lacs dependent member of ECHS. Even if Rs 27000 per member is scaled (as is presently known) the annual budget should be approx 9400 crores. As against this amount, it is understood that merely Rs 1600 crores have been planned for this year. This amount is too inadequate to service the ECHS satisfactorily. Since large numbers of polyclinics are not yet operational and a large number of ECHS members are unable to avail of the facility, and to meet the existing requirements of ECHS, there is an immediate need to bring up allocations to satisfactory levels.

Withdrawal of Empanelled Hospitals Due to Non Clearance of Bills

3. Non availability of funds with the MD ECHS has had a cascading adverse effect on planning and execution of healthcare of ECHS members. Super Specialty Hospitals and other good hospitals are not offering themselves to be empanelled because of the non clearance of their bills in time. Suggestion was given by IESM to MD ECHS to clear 50 percent of the hospital bills within one week of receipt of the bills and remaining 50 percent be cleared within 30 days, after due evaluation, analysis and verification. We are told that such a proposal is lying with Secy DESW for a considerable time for approval. You would appreciate that delays in clearance of such important proposals adversely affect functionality.The same needs to be sanctioned immediately to assist MD ECHS to clear outstanding hospital bills.

4. A large number of good Super Specialty Hospitals initially empanelled with ECHS, have withdrawn for want of clearance of their bills and the remaining empanelled hospitals are also under financial stress and on the verge of discontinuing empanelment. Two hospitals in Ludhiana stopped accepting ECHS members. With personal intervention of MD ECHS they have restarted their service. Medanta Hospital Gurgaon, an empanelled hospital has also stopped accepting ECHS members because, out of their bills of Rs 5 crores already lying with MD ECHS, only 2 lacs and 15 thousand have been paid. All hospitals in Mysore and Nagpur had withdrawn their empanelment for nonpayment of their bills. Life of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan was saved, again with concerted efforts by IESM, MD ECHS and personal indulgence of Dr. Trehan that he was moved to Medanta hospital Gurgaon where his serious condition with 17000 platelet counts and Dengue Fever was managed effectively. Likewise two ECHS members who were to be operated for cancer at Medanta were initially refused admission but finally accepted by the hospital with personal intervention and assurance of MD ECHS for early clearance of their bills. Why shouldsuch a situation be allowed to occur?

5. The required funds need to be released well in time to ensure smooth execution ECHS.

Listed and Unlisted Procedures

6. Medical Science has improved considerably and new procedures are introduced to improve the quality of medical care. These procedures are adopted by various super specialty hospitals. In order to provide the best available medical care to ex servicemen, there is need to review the listed/unlisted procedures at regular intervals. It is strongly recommended that any unlisted procedure which has been introduced in the country in the last six months should automatically be included in the listed procedures. This will enable the ECHS members to avail of the improved medical care. Following examples illustrate this:-

(a)Robotic surgery has been introduced in our country in many hospitals for many years. However, the same has not yet been included in the listed procedures of ECHS. Two cases of cancer patients, one with breast cancer and other with prostate cancer, who were to be operated at Medanta Super Specialty Hospital at Gurgaon (Hr), an empanelled hospital,illustrate the harassment of patients, by not implementing this. In case of both, undue delay in treatment was caused since the robotics methodology of treatment is not included in Medanta’s contract. Once Medanta has been empanelled with ECHS, all procedures and specializations being carried out there should automatically be included in the listed procedures. ECHS members should not be harassed and made to run around to get the necessary sanctions. The ECHS structure and systems should be so improved to automatically include improvements in medical science and technology. Necessary changes in the rates should be regularly incorporated by ECHS every six months.

(b)Injection Avastin for eye ailment ARMD has been introduced in our country for over a decade. However, the same is not included in the listed procedures.

Suggested Improvement in Provision of medical Care to ESM

7. Single window super specialty medical care must be made available to ECHS members. The referral to the empanelled hospital should be for consultation, investigation, treatment and follow up and there should be no need for the patient to run around to get administrative sanctions. Checks and audits may be introduced at the time of empanelling the hospital and subsequently by audit teams to ensure no malpractices are allowed to happen.

8. Some suggestions are made as under:-

(a) Emergency Treatment in Civil Hospital: The Govt. while sanctioning License/ Registration to hospitals should have a clause that defence personnel and ECHS members would be attended to in an emergency at ECHS rates. The concerned hospital should inform the closest ECHS Clinic/ECHS helpline about the patient. The designated team of doctors should visit the hospital within 24hrs to assess the condition of the patient. If the patient is in a state to be moved to an empanelled Hospital, the same may be carried out under ECHS arrangements. If he is not in a position to be moved out of the hospital, then he /she should continue to get treatment at the same hospital and the ECHS should make direct payment to the hospital at ECHS rates. If any extra charges are to be paid to the hospital, the same should be done by the ECHS and not the patient. The patient should not have to arrange and pay dues to the hospital. The case of Brig Mahajan who was, in an emergency, taken to Madanta Gurgaon by his son & was kept in ICU for more than 15 days, is illustrative. His son had to raise private loans to pay bill of Rs 5, 60,841.09 and only Rs 3, 62,882/- have been reimbursed to him. He or his son is not in a position to bear the loan amount. As per terms and conditions of service, a soldier, his/her spouse and dependents are to be given free medical care for life.

(b) MD ECHS should be the authority to operationalise the scheme. He can seek assistance of any military hospital nearby and other controlling authorities should be done away with.

(c) The budget provisions for the ECHS must be made available in the beginning of the year. Additional projections may be made based on the requirement and sanctioned on Priority.

(d) ECHS member should not have to spend money from his/her pocket to get any special consultation, investigation, treatment and follow up. ECHS should take care of the same.

(e) The facilities at military medical establishments should be made available to the ECHS members who should have a choice to go to any one of these in addition to the empanelled hospitals

Command and Control of ECHS

9. ECHS should function under the overall Control of AG of Integrated HQ (ARMY) and not under Secy DESW. All financial and administrative powers be vested with the AG who should be held accountable and answerable to RM & RRM through joint Chief of Staff Committee.

10. All Operational Control (Adm& Financial) of ECHS should be with MD ECHS and he should be accountable to the joint Chiefs of Staff Committee integrated HQ.

11. Technical support on as required basis be provided by Armed Forces Medical set up at appropriate level.

Obligation of Private Hospitals towards Ex Servicemen

12. Through Govt orders/institutions, it should be obligatory for any private hospital to offer themselves for ECHS empanelment. This should be incorporated in licence policy.

Review of Authorization of Medical Specialist Medical Officer and ECHS Polyclinic Staff and their Emoluments

13. There is need to review the authorizations of Medical Specialists, medical officers and other polyclinic staff and their emoluments. The existing authorization and their emoluments are inadequate. We are told that the proposal is awaiting sanction for a long time. The same must be sanctioned expeditiously.

Availability of Medicines

14. Proposal to procure medicines through civil pharmacy is reportedly at final stges of implementation. same mustbe sanctioned at the earliest.

Enhancement of Financial Powers

15. The existing financial powers at various levels are too inadequate. A proposal to enhance these powers is also awaiting sanction for a long time. The same needs to be sanctioned at the earliest.

Local Purchase of Medicines

16. All ECHS members need to be authorized to local procure NA medicine from the market and claim funds for the same. This will greatly improve availability of all prescribed medicines.

17. May we request you to on priority consider our above suggestions to improve the Healthcare of Ex Servicemen through ECHS.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

MUST READ – MUST JOIN “DEFENCE VETERANS AGAINST INJUSTICE”, VISHAL RALLY AT JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI ON 01 DEC 2012 Dear Veterans, Dated : 28 Sep 2012 1. The Govt has not only not resolved 39 serious anomalies in Pay & Pension of Defence Personnel, it has not implemented the judgements of Armed Forces Tribunal & Supreme Court given in favour of Defence Personnel. Recommendations of Rajya Sabha Petition Committee on OROP strongly recommending OROP to Defence Personnel have not been implemented. OROP issue which has been duly analysed for over 7 months by members of parliament, was assigned to a Committee of secretaries who had earlier given evidence to Rajya Sabha Committee against the grant of OROP. What could be expected from them? PM, RM and the three Chiefs were apprised of it. On 24th Sep 2012 (Evening) the Govt misled the soldiers and the Nation when they announced that OROP has been approved. Infact the approval is nowhere close to the OROP. They have removed a serious anomaly of 6th CPC where the bureaucracy had manipulated the recommendation of 6 CPC i.e “minimum of pay of the Rank in the Pay band was changed to Minimum pay of the Pay Band”. For Sepoy to Hav, they have given two years additional weightage which means an increase of only Rs 400 per month. The demand of three Chiefs to include members from the serving and retired Defence personnel in the Committee was not accepted. 2. Our struggle to get Justice therefore, will be continued with increased intensity. With the above in mind, a Rally has been planned to be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 01 Dec 2012 from 1030 – 1530hrs. All ESM who have not deposited their medals are requested to do so in large numbers. Medals can be collected area wise and brought to the Rally or individual ESM may deposit their medals at the rally site. 3. Future course of action and resolutions will be collectively passed at the Rally to ensure that we get our due Justice. This Rally in Delhi is being held to showcase the continued apathy and mistreatment to the military and to impress upon the Government to see the writings on the wall and act fast to address all grievances of Defence personnel expeditiously. 4. In last ten years, the Defence Forces have suffered a lot of ignomies and humiliations due to apathetic attitude of the Govt. and the bureaucracy. The government is mistaken if it thinks that by dragging its feet on the issue of the armed forces dissatisfaction with the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, it can make the issue go away. 5. A country that refuses to respect its armed forces will eventually end up getting forces that will not respect the nations' aspirations. A country makes a sacred contract with its soldiers that while he/she will lay down his/her life when called upon to do so, the nation will take good care of his/her and his/her family's needs to the extent its resources would permit. 6. Besides the Rally schedule, it is proposed to take out a March of 3 – 4 Kms on a designated route. It is also planned to prepare a vehicle platform on which gallantry and Distinguished Service Medals number approx 10 thousand which have already been deposited with us by volunteer ESM and a large number which will be deposited on the day of the Rally will be respectfully placed in a “Show Case” separately made for the purpose. This will be placed at the Rally Site and moved along with scheduled March during the Rally. Subsequently, it is planned to move the vehicle alongwith the “Show Cased Medals” at various locations in the NCR for a period of 5 – 7 days. Four volunteer ESM will always escort the medals on the vehicle. 7. IESM Conveners in nearby states i.e. Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal, Uttrakhand, UP who desire to parade the vehicle with Medals in their States may write to IESM HQ, at 543 Sector 23, Gurgaon (Haryana) on mail ID : satbirsm@gmail.com The vehicle would be planned to be dispatched to the volunteer states for a period of 3-4 days. 8. Veterans, their family members and supporters in large numbers are requested to attend the above Rally. As hither to, part reimbursement of transport will be made by IESM. All administrative arrangements will be tied up. All ESM who have uniforms with them are requested to come in uniform, others may wear Mufti Dress with Regimental tie and cap. All those who don’t have Mufti may wear Shirt & trouser. 9. ESM across the country and abroad are requested to send donations with a big heart for logistic management for the above Maha Rally. Cheques may either be deposited in our Bank, HDFC Bank A/C No 06162000001330 or be sent at 543 Sector 23 Gurgaon (Haryana), India 122017. 10. Plan now to keep 01 Dec 2012 free for yourself and the family members and make sure that you all attend the above Rally in large numbers. Your participation is essential to Show Case the collective strength of Defence Veterans to get our due Justice. 11. MUST join the rally to ensure “sure win” against the Injustice. “Manjle Bahut Hongi, Karvan Bahut Honge, Bhirh Wahan Hogi, Jhan Sikandar Honge” With Regards, Jai Hind Yours Sincerely, Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570 Email: satbirsm@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

1. I have been closely following the situation with regard to OROP. I feel disgusted that veterans are crying like spoilt children for some fancy toy. This Tamasha has been going on for a few years now with no end in sight. In fact, we have brought this upon ourselves.

2. Now let us come to the main point. Veterans are not children. So stop behaving like children. If you think that the government (politicians and bureaucrats) is going to listen to you, forget it. Have you noticed that the government will notice you only if you do dharnas, hunger strikes, rallies and resort to things like rasta / rail roko. See how every other department is holding the government to ransom.
3. So what needs to be done? Get your butts off the ground and pull your finger out. Following points come to my mind readily.

•Bring in a Tall and Clean Leader. Only one relevant present day ICON comes to my mind.

Gen VK Singh. He has no financial historical baggage.

•If you cannot muster VKS, bring in Anna Hazare.

•Join Forces. Today we have all sorts of Brigadiers, Major Gen, Lt Gen and even a Major who run different types of organisation. Come together, but keep the tainted out. I used to see a lot of Generals on TV in the last 6 months. Dump them. Also dump all the military Governors and High Commissioners. They were all corrupt.

•Form a Political Party. Call it the “Patriotic Front“. I guarantee, at least 100 seats in Parliament if there are clean candidates. The number of ex-servicemen and servicemen is easily close to 4 million. There is no bigger homogenous force in the world. If you include the paramilitary, it will easily touch 10 million. When in Parliament, make your own laws. Pass any bill in favour of the veterans.

•The statement that “we will play by the rules” needs to be discarded. When your future is being decided by corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and judiciary, there is simply no future. Hold rallies, strikes, rasta roko etc. I am sure Delhi and surrounding areas can easily muster more people than what Anna Hazare and Ramdev could organise. And these two gentlemen brought the government on its knees.

•As military veterans, we should consider all means. All is fair in love and war. The result will be quick and the lesson will sink in once and for all. We don’t need cry babies on TV. Act now. The mood is against the government. India desperately needs a revolution. A minor storm by military veterans will be enough.

Regards,
S Ranade
An excellent idea. Implementable.
Regards,
Col Rajan
Comment: Why are IESM and IESL the two large Veteran organisations losing steam? Is it because their primary aim is now refocussed on collection of funds and spending more and doing less for the Veteran community? What has happened to improvement of ECHS, CSD and Resettlement? We hear nothing on ground.